Experienced pain after food was lodged in back teeth for days. Could it be infected?

Never had my wisdom teeth removed. In the very back of my top teeth I have space where food always gets stuck. Only thing that usually gets it out is a qtip. A week ago, I got something was stuck. I brushed my teeth normally for a week and started to feel pain in the inner jaw. I did my q tip routine and unwedged something. It's been a day and the pain is still in the fleshy part around my mouth though my teeth don't hurt. I wonder if this pain will just subside or could it be infected?

Doctor Answers 3

Experienced pain after food was lodged in back teeth for days. Could it be infected?

November 5th, 2013

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

The first question for you is how long has it been since your teeth have been checked by a dentist and you have had your teeth cleaned and polished by a dental hygienist? If it has been over six months, suggest that be your first order of business.

Yes, you could have food and bacteria wedged under the gums and an abscess beginning to form. Usually a healthy mouth will heal up quickly, if unhealthy it could take days or weeks and you might have some other underlying problem. Best to have it looked at by your dentist.

Dental Crown Pictures

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as
a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you
have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute
or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.